Hold the Cake: 10 Light Desserts to Satisfy a Sweet Tooth

In Japan, a person with a sweet tooth is described as having betsu-bara, literally a separate stomach. If you have one, you'll understand. No matter how much you eat at dinner, your second stomach has room for a little something sweet — but that doesn't mean dessert has to be a sugar or dairy bomb. Here are 10 lighter treats we reach for when our betsu-bara starts grumbling.

TOP ROW1 Oranges With Lavender and Mint: Dress up winter's best fruit with a little orange flower water and fresh herbs.2 Oven-dried Apple Chips: So easy to make at home.3 Dates: What other fruit can taste like butterscotch candy? Dates are especially satisfying when eaten with a few raw almonds, toasted pistachios or other nuts.4 3-Ingredient Healthy Ice Cream: Coconut milk-based sherbet made from fresh beet or carrot juice hits the ice cream spot without being heavy.5 Yogurt With Caramelized Figs: Figs caramelized with rosemary and honey are spooned over yogurt and topped with pistachios and smoked sea salt. Light yet complex!

Anjali is a former private chef who is currently a full-time nutrition student, with plans to become a registered dietitian. She lives in New Orleans with her husband and toddler. You can read more of her writing at Eat Your Greens.